When it comes to your smile, knowing which dental professional to visit can make a big difference in both your experience and your results. Many people assume dentists and orthodontists do the same thing, but while their roles overlap in some areas, they serve very different purposes. Understanding the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist can help you make confident, informed decisions about your oral health—especially if you’re considering braces or Invisalign.

Let’s break it down in a simple, stress-free way.

What Does a Dentist Do?

A dentist is your go-to provider for maintaining overall oral health. Think of your dentist as the foundation of your dental care routine. Most people start seeing a dentist in early childhood and continue regular visits throughout their lives.

Dentists focus on preventive and general dental care, including:

• Routine checkups and cleanings

• Fillings for cavities

• Gum disease treatment

• Tooth extractions

• Dental crowns and bridges

• Teeth whitening

• General oral health evaluations

Dentists are trained to identify a wide range of dental issues and help keep your teeth and gums healthy. They also play a key role in spotting early signs of problems that may require more specialized care—such as misaligned teeth or bite issues.

If your teeth are healthy but slightly crooked, or if your bite feels “off,” your dentist may recommend seeing an orthodontist for further evaluation.

What Does an Orthodontist Do?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting alignment and bite issues. After completing dental school, orthodontists undergo several additional years of advanced training dedicated entirely to tooth movement and jaw alignment.

Orthodontists treat issues such as:

• Crooked or crowded teeth

• Gaps between teeth

• Overbites, underbites, and crossbites

• Jaw alignment problems

• Bite-related discomfort or uneven wear

They specialize in treatments like braces, clear braces, lingual braces, and Invisalign. Orthodontic care isn’t just about aesthetics—it also helps improve how your teeth function together, which can make brushing easier, reduce long-term wear, and support better oral health overall.

Education and Training: The Key Difference

One of the biggest differences between a dentist and an orthodontist is their training.

• Dentists complete dental school and earn a DDS or DMD degree.

• Orthodontists complete dental school plus 2–3 additional years of specialized orthodontic training.

This extra education allows orthodontists to focus exclusively on tooth movement and bite correction. While some dentists offer orthodontic treatments, orthodontists dedicate their entire practice to this area of care.

When Should You See a Dentist vs. an Orthodontist?

Knowing who to see depends on your specific needs.

You should see a dentist if you need:

• A routine cleaning or exam

• Treatment for a cavity or gum disease

• Tooth pain or sensitivity

• General oral health maintenance

You should see an orthodontist if you’re dealing with:

• Crooked or crowded teeth

• Bite problems that affect chewing or comfort

• Teeth that are shifting over time

• Interest in braces or Invisalign

Many patients see both professionals regularly. Your dentist helps maintain healthy teeth and gums, while your orthodontist focuses on alignment and bite function.

Do Kids, Teens, and Adults All Need Orthodontists?

Orthodontic care isn’t just for teenagers. While many people start treatment during adolescence, orthodontists treat patients of all ages.

• Children may benefit from early orthodontic evaluations to guide jaw development.

• Teens often start braces or Invisalign while their teeth are still developing.

• Adults increasingly choose orthodontic treatment to improve both appearance and comfort.

Orthodontists tailor treatment plans based on age, lifestyle, and goals, making modern orthodontic care more flexible than ever.

Can a Dentist Replace an Orthodontist?

This is a common question—and the short answer is no.

While some dentists offer orthodontic services, orthodontists have focused training specifically in tooth movement and bite correction. For complex alignment issues or long-term orthodontic care, seeing an orthodontist ensures you’re receiving treatment designed around precise movement and stable results.

Dentists and orthodontists often work together, referring patients back and forth to ensure comprehensive care.

Why Choosing the Right Orthodontist Matters

Orthodontic treatment is a long-term investment in your smile and oral health. Choosing a practice that focuses entirely on orthodontics means your treatment plan is designed with precision, comfort, and efficiency in mind.

An orthodontist doesn’t just straighten teeth—they consider how your bite fits together, how your smile frames your face, and how to achieve results that last.

Straighten Your Smile with Urban Orthodontics — Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you or your child are considering braces or Invisalign, the team at Urban Orthodontics is here to help. With convenient locations in Union City, Jersey City, and Bayonne, NJ, Urban Orthodontics provides personalized orthodontic care designed to fit your lifestyle and goals.

Whether you’re just starting to explore treatment options or ready to take the next step toward a straighter smile, their team will guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.

Contact Urban Orthodontics today to schedule your orthodontic consultation and start your journey toward a healthier, more confident smile.